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Agustin (@agustintravel)France
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Japan Itinerary 3: Just back from a deep-dive day in Nara

Just back from a deep-dive day in Nara, Japan — snapping shrine selfies, soaking in museum vibes, and noshing legendary local eats 🇯🇵✨. If you’re after Insta-worthy spots and hassle-free sightseeing, this is the route you want! Top Spots to Visit 📸 Okumura Commemorative Museum (4 Kasuganocho) — Pop in Tue-Sun 10:00–17:00 for gorgeous old-school architecture shots and a peaceful break. ⛩️ Himuro Shrine (1-4 Kasuganocho) — Opens early at 06:30, shuts 17:30. Beat the crowds for ice house legend stories and prime morning light for photos! 🖼️ Nara National Museum (Nara-shi, Noborioji-cho 50) — Art buffs: Tue-Sun 09:30–17:00 most months, longer in December. Check the schedule to avoid closed dates! 🚪 Todai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate, Zoshicho 406-1) — Always open. Absolute banger for epic, wide-angle shots of ancient Nara energy. Where to Eat Kamameshi Shizuka Kouen-ten (登大路町59-11) — If your energy dips, swing by for Nara’s famous kamameshi rice pots. Affordable, authentic, and super cozy vibes. Foodie tip: Sanzantei Dining Room is another sweet spot for local flavors. Travel Hacks & Tips 🚶🏻 Walk everywhere — All main sights are within a 15-min stroll of each other. Great for spontaneous deer moments and photo ops! 🕰️ Snap pics early, especially at Himuro Shrine or Todai-ji gate, for softer light and fewer tourists. 🥤 Bring snacks, water, and coins for lockers — lots of places have no big bags allowed. 🌦️ Nara’s weather flips quick: pack a compact umbrella. #naraadventure #japanphotospots #budgetjapan #tripdotcom #naraeats
Posted: Sep 14, 2025
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Himuro Shrine

4.1/5112 reviews | Historic buildings
Nara
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Himuro Shrine

Quick guide to Nara's best spots — ancient vibes, adorable deer, and perfect Instagram moments 🦌✨ Top Spots to Visit in Nara: 1️⃣ Todai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate) Address: 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211, Japan Open: All day, all year Stroll through this iconic wooden gate and get swept away by Nara’s stunning history! Expect friendly deer chilling everywhere — they totally steal the show and are up for selfies. Pro tip: get mini biscuits at local stalls, the deer love them and it’s a wholesome experience. 2️⃣ Himuro Shrine Address: 1-4 Kasuganocho, Nara, 630-8212, Japan Open: 06:30-17:30 daily A peaceful hideaway, just steps from the main sights. The calm shrine grounds make a perfect break from the crowds, and you might spot deer wandering between Torii gates. 3️⃣ Sanzantei Dining Room Address: 11 Kasuganocho, Nara City Lunch or dinner here is a must after exploring! I refueled with authentic Japanese eats at this charming spot — don’t skip their seasonal dishes and sweet treats. Getting Around: Nara’s compact center is super walkable, especially from Kintetsu Nara Station. Bikes are another fun option, or snag a local bus for longer distances. Pro Tips: 💸 Carry yen cash for small stalls and deer biscuit purchases. 🦌 Deer are friendly but keep treats in your pocket till ready — some can get a bit bold! 🌦️ Most places are open rain or shine, but check shrine hours if you’re going early. #NaraAdventures #DeerSafari #JapanTrip #TravelTips #tripdotcom

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Nara National Museum

#OctoberTravelSupport 📍 Nara National Museum Review The Nara National Museum, located inside Nara Park, was surprisingly quiet and peaceful. The tranquil atmosphere from the entrance made it perfect for a stroll, and the interior was well-presented, focusing on Buddhist sculptures. 🪷 While the exhibition isn't large, each piece was neatly organized, making it easy to focus on. The main building, built during the Meiji period, was particularly beautiful. Its old-world Western architecture inspired many photographers. 📸 The inner annex is connected to a modern structure, but the dim lighting made for a quiet viewing experience. The abundance of Buddhist statues and paintings truly evoked a sense of traditional Japanese beauty. Some explanations are only in English, and photography is prohibited in many areas, making it more of a "visit" experience than a documented one. Still, it's a perfect stopover on your way through Nara Park. It's not crowded, and it's close to the waterfall and Todaiji Temple, making it easy to plan your route. 🕊️ 🏛️ Address: 50 Todai-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 🕓 Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays) 💴 Admission: Adults 700 yen (excludes special exhibitions)

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Nara National Museum

#OctoberTravelSupport 📍 Nara National Museum Review Located inside Nara Park, the Nara National Museum was a quiet and clean space. While not particularly large, the Buddhist artifacts were neatly displayed, making it easy to focus on. The exterior exudes a classic charm, while the new building inside has been renovated with a modern touch, blending perfectly with the building's unique atmosphere. 🏛️ The museum contained a variety of Buddhist artifacts, including Buddhist statues, Buddhist paintings, and ceremonial implements. The dim lighting made for a relaxing viewing experience. While the English explanations were a bit lacking, each piece was so intricate that I was able to fully appreciate it without having to read the text. Since there weren't many visitors, I was able to enjoy the museum as if I were taking a quiet stroll. It was also a great place to take a break after seeing the deer in Nara Park. 🦌 I heard it's quite popular during special exhibition periods, so I'd love to come back then. Photography isn't allowed in many areas, so it's best to just take it all in with your eyes. Overall, the museum was clean and quiet, making it a great place to take a moment to clear your mind during your trip. 🌿 📍 Address: 50 Todai-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 🕓 Hours: 9:30–17:00 (Closed Mondays)

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Okumura Commemorative Museum

Okumura Memorial Hall (Okumura Memorial Hall)

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Okumura Commemorative Museum

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Todai-ji Namdaimon (Grand South Gate)

Nara Park

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Nara, Japan

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